High value businesses to boost growth and tackle poverty.
New jobs will be created and derelict sites regenerated in
Glasgow's former industrial heartland with the help of funding
announced by First Minister .
Urban regeneration company Clyde Gateway is to receive £3.5
million to support the continued redevelopment of the former
Shawfield Chemical Works site into a hub for high value
manufacturing businesses. It is part of the company's ongoing
plan to develop homes, hotels and business premises on land
equivalent in size to 130 football pitches in Rutherglen and the
East End of Glasgow.
The First Minister made the announcement ahead of a visit to the
Innovation Shawfield, another Clyde Gateway regeneration scheme,
where he will see Scotland's first renewable district heating
system of its kind. The site is expected to become one of the
largest office parks in the UK and the heating system, which is
also capable of cooling buildings, will provide occupants with
low-cost energy.
The project has been supported by £660,000 from the Scottish
Government and sees power generated from sources including solar
and heat pumps.
The First Minister said:
“Regenerating our industrial heartlands of the 20th
century is an integral part of transforming Scotland's economy in
the 21st and Clyde Gateway is a shining example of
what can achieved. Its ambition is creating jobs, improving
communities and tackling poverty.
“I am delighted to be able to announce funding to help it
continue that work and also to see first-hand this innovative
project which will provide affordable green energy to businesses.
This part of Glasgow has a proud industrial past and the Scottish
Government is determined that it will have a strong economic
future.
“I want to see these benefits continue to spread across Scotland
and this financial year we are providing £62.15 million towards
regeneration projects that will revitalise town centres, derelict
sites and green spaces.”
Martin Joyce, Executive Director for Regeneration at Clyde
Gateway, said:
"This £3.5 million investment will accelerate our efforts to
transform the East End of Glasgow and Rutherglen. Working
alongside the Scottish Government and other key partners, we have
already remediated nearly 750 acres of contaminated land,
supported the creation of more than 8,000 jobs and delivered
4,000 much needed new homes, helping to build vibrant communities
where people can live, work and play.”
Background
The Scottish Government has supported Clyde Gateway's
regeneration programme with more than £200 million since 2007.
